You can now try the HTC Vive at a few GameStop and Microsoft stores

It's a glorious time. Both the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive have finally shipped to consumers. Virtual reality, more than any other gadget, is something that you can't fathom until you put a headset on and experience the wonders of VR for yourself.

HTC's making it easier for consumers to try the Vive and its unique motion controllers by setting them up in select GameStop and Microsoft Stores.

The following GameStop stores will have Vive demo stations set up, starting on April 16.

Image: screenshot: gamestop

There are three Microsoft Store locations in the U.S. with Vive demo stations ready this week: At the flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York, in Bellevue Square in Washington and at the City Creek Center in Utah. By the end of the year, there will be 30 Microsoft retail stores with Vive demo stations.

The Vive is different from the Oculus Rift in that it supports room-scale VR, meaning you can move within a 15-by-15-foot space. It's far more immersive than the seated experience of the Rift.

The HTC Vive's hand controllers.

Image: XOSE QUIROGA/mashable

The Vive also comes with two motion controllers that replicate your hands in the VR world. The controllers are more natural than using an Xbox One controller (like it is on the Rift).

Installing Vive demo stations at retail stores is a good way for HTC to let consumers try it out firsthand and decide if it's worth the $800 or not.

Mashable
is a global, multi-platform media and entertainment company. Powered by its own proprietary technology, Mashable is the go-to source for tech, digital culture and entertainment content for its dedicated and influential audience around the globe.